The UACI Program Roadmap provides entrepreneurs with a comprehensive guide for startup success. Because UACI accepts startups in all stages at all times, the Roadmap is individualized based on need. UACI’s staff educators also serve as accountability partners to ensure the most relevant strategies and activities are implemented.
Problem Identification
articulating how your product makes the world a better placeEntity Formation
setting the legal groundwork for your entityFinancials
creating capitalization plans, financial statements and valuation projectionsBusiness Model
developing a go-to-market plan and pricing strategies and revenue modelsCustomer Discovery
identifying customers and their needsAccounting System
creating a payroll and tax plan, selecting accounting software, setting up a business bank account, evaluating tax ratesProduct Valuation
determining parameters for product development, including minimal viable product, proof of concept, manufacturability and quality controlExit Strategy
learning about M&A, Lifestyle and IPO options and identifying potential acquirersRegulatory Requirements
determining industry requirements, working with regulatory consultants, determining regulatory time and cost commitmentsMilestone Development
determining KPI development by tracking and adjusting milestonesCustomer Segments
narrowing in on customer personas, their influencers, and market segmentsCustomer Relationships
determining strategic partnerships, customer preferences, and mastering “get, keep, grow” strategiesMarket Assessment
identifying best data sources, market opportunities, market growth trendsMarketing Collateral
developing a logo, website, written and digital materials, and social media assetsTeam Development
evaluating and addressing team aptitude and gaps; creating an organizational chart; recruiting; determining equity vs. compensation; building a company cultureBoard Development
learning how to form and assign roles for advisory board members and boards of directorsDilutive Funding
developing an investment strategy— e.g., FFF, seed, series, venture capital, individual and accredited fundingNon-Dilutive Funding
devising a grant strategy, identifying SBIR/STTR opportunities, and developing proposals, timelines and debt strategiesMarket Strategy
creating a mission/vision statement, solidifying target market(s), developing outreach plan, and determining internal vs. contractor teamsPitch
developing pitch descriptions and deck, gaining presentation skills, prepping for individual vs. competitive pitchesFormulation of Value Proposition
creating a value proposition per customer segment, developing a canvas of values vs. featuresIP Protection Strategy
learning about patents, trademarks, copywrite and trade secrets, while developing an IP strategy, timeline and budgetExecutive Summary
understanding the components and visual structure required for the executive summaryOperations
weighing the pros and cons of making vs. buying products; and learning about supply chains, distribution channels, and manufacturing and productionCompetitive Analysis
learning how to position against direct and indirect competitors through benchmarking and SWOT analysisBusiness Plan
determining the components, sequencing and uses of a business plan and business model canvasCommunity Involvement
creating strong relationships with service providers and trade organizations; participating and hosting local events, and attending conferences